Eating Disorders- What Are They?
Article:
Eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or severe overeating, as well as feelings of distress or extreme concern about body shape or weight. The four most common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Feeding or Eating Disorders Not Elsewhere Classified. Eating disorders currently affect approximately 25 million Americans, in which approximately 25% are male. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate among all psychological disorders.
Eating disorders do not discriminate between gender, class, race or age. They can and do happen to anyone. Contrary to popular belief, an eating disorder is not based on food. There are several contributing factors that may lead to the emergence of an eating disorder although no defined cause has been established. Contributing factors include: Biological factors (Eating disorders often run in families. The risk of developing an eating disorder is 50-80% determined by genetics), Social factors (unrealistic pressures to obtain the "perfect" body; the constant influx of images of perfection; and narrow definitions of beauty), Psychological factors (substantial co-morbidity with other mental health disorders - ie. depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, low self-esteem; and feelings of lack of control), and Interpersonal factors (history of abuse; being teased for size or weight; traumatic life event(s); and difficulty expressing feelings and emotions).
An eating disorder can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time, and often, if it is recognized, denial usually follows, leaving the disorder still untreated.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has developed an eating disorder, please do not deny that a problem exists and try to get specialized, professional help as soon as possible. Learn about eating disorders and do not be afraid to talk to someone about your situation. Major health hazards may occur if an eating disorder goes undetected and/or untreated. Please know that help is available and recovery is definitely possible.
(Taken From: http://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/portal/what-are-eating-disorders#.UssrfvRDvwU)
Eating disorders do not discriminate between gender, class, race or age. They can and do happen to anyone. Contrary to popular belief, an eating disorder is not based on food. There are several contributing factors that may lead to the emergence of an eating disorder although no defined cause has been established. Contributing factors include: Biological factors (Eating disorders often run in families. The risk of developing an eating disorder is 50-80% determined by genetics), Social factors (unrealistic pressures to obtain the "perfect" body; the constant influx of images of perfection; and narrow definitions of beauty), Psychological factors (substantial co-morbidity with other mental health disorders - ie. depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, low self-esteem; and feelings of lack of control), and Interpersonal factors (history of abuse; being teased for size or weight; traumatic life event(s); and difficulty expressing feelings and emotions).
An eating disorder can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time, and often, if it is recognized, denial usually follows, leaving the disorder still untreated.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has developed an eating disorder, please do not deny that a problem exists and try to get specialized, professional help as soon as possible. Learn about eating disorders and do not be afraid to talk to someone about your situation. Major health hazards may occur if an eating disorder goes undetected and/or untreated. Please know that help is available and recovery is definitely possible.
(Taken From: http://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/portal/what-are-eating-disorders#.UssrfvRDvwU)
Paragraph Summary:
Eating disorders is a large issue that has affected many people of different race, age, gender, or class. The four major categories of eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervose, Binge Eating Disorder and EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified). Many people get affected by this problem-girls and boys both (although boys are a smaller portion). Before reading this article, even I thought eating disorders was derived from food. In reality, several factors contribute to this worldwide problem, For example, a few crucial ones include: media (magazines, commercials, celebrities, models, clothing), genetics (passed down by a family member-50-80% chance of getting it), and emotional/psychological factors (anxiety, pressure, low self-esteem, no confidence)